Abstract: A system and method of separation of therapeutic components from blood. The system includes a dual member centrifuge and a disposable single use fluid transfer set. The set includes an elongated flexible separation chamber having an input port, a separated component output port and a residual fluid output port. The input port and the separated component output ports are located at opposite ends of the elongated separation chamber. The centrifuge includes a receiving chamber with a selectively formed annular slot therein. The separation chamber is positioned in the annularly shaped slot and rotated at a predetermined rotational velocity. Fluids such as whole blood flows through the separation chamber and are separated into various therapeutic components such as platelet rich plasma and residual concentrated red blood cells. Platelet rich plasma can be drawn off as the separated therapeutic component. An alternate two part transfer set provides for highly efficient platelet pheresis.

Abstract: A method to continuously measure the level of a water treatment product in boiler feedwater. The product, which includes a copolymer of acrylamide and acrylate and a copolymer of acrylic acid and sodium vinyl sulphonate, is added to the feedwater to prevent the formation of scale in the boiler tubes. The method comprises reacting a sample of the feedwater with a reagent to produce turbidity in the sample and further mixing the newly reacted sample with a portion of previously measured reacted sample. The mixture of previously measured reacted sample and newly reacted sample are then photometrically measured in a pump turbidimeter analyzer to determine the level of product in the feedwater.

Abstract: During conditioning of a suspension to be dewatered through incorporation of flocculant, the optimum dewaterability depends on the amount of added flocculant and on the mixing energy expended. According to the invention, the sludge flocs present or formed in the suspension after incorporation of the flocculant are determined metrologically, and the amount of flocculant and/or the mixing energy expended and/or the location of flocculant addition is controlled as a function of the floc number, size and/or structure.

Abstract: An apparatus for extracting liquid from a sludge/conditioning agent mixture which comprises a first endless belt (10) of filter material; a second endless belt (12) of filter material; and rollers (20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27, 13, 14, 15) for the belts (10, 12). That part of the belt (10) between the rollers (20, 23) is defined as a gravity de-watering zone; the part of the belts (10, 12) between the rollers (21, 13, 14, 15) is defined as a pressure de-watering zone. Filtrate is collected in a tray (17); liquid is collected in a tray (35). Monitoring means monitors a characteristic of the filtrate and the liquid to enable a rate of change in the characteristic of the filtrate/liquid to be determined. The apparatus functions at its optimum at a loading rate for the mixture which is just less than that which causes extrusion of the liquid in the pressure de-watering zone.

Abstract: System and method for controlling the content of a fluid product such as milk. The entire product stream is monitored continuously with an optical density meter, and the a signal corresponding to actual content of the stream is compared with the desired content. A correction signal which varies in accordance with the difference between the actual content signal and the desired content signal is provided, and the content of the product is adjusted in response to the correction signal by an amount which decreases as the content approaches the desired level.

Abstract: A control system having opto-electric detectors responsive to different solids concentrations and character of the solids of a slurry, the output of the detectors controlling the addition of a flocculants to the slurry to optimize coagulation of the materials in the slurry. The detectors having outputs sensing different slurry conditions with the detector outputs being processed to control the addition of different flocculants to the cell.

Abstract: Analyzing the level of a treating agent and/or stress metals in a body of water containing an inert transition metal tracer added to the water proportionally with the treating agent by determining the absorbance (first absorbance value) of a reagent dye added to water, said dye producing a second absorbance value when reacted at the same concentration with the tracer and stress metals in a measure of said body of water, and said dye producing a third absorbance value when reacted at the same concentration with only the transition metal contained in a measure of said body of water; determining the second and third absorbance values and resolving their differences to determine the concentration of the tracer and, separately, the concentration of said stress metals.

Abstract: Waste water treatment for the removal of heavy metals is optimized by continuously removing and filtering a sample flow of treated waste water subject to pH level control to determine the presence of remaining metals in solution to be precipitated. Filtering of the sample removes metals precipitated by pH level control. Optimized pH level control can cause precipitation of most non-chelated and/or non-complexed metals, so that controlled feeding of a precipitating agent to the treated waste water is effectively determined by only those metals remaining in solution, which are typically either chelated and/or complexed heavy metals. The filtered sample is injected with a diluted solution of the precipitating agent, and then a turbidity meter is used to determine the degree of turbidity of the injected clear sample. The resulting degree of turbidity corresponds to the level of precipitation caused by injection of the diluted precipitating agent.

Abstract: A method for monitoring and/or controlling a liquid/solid separation process is described. The method utilizes photodetectors to view the surface of the composition being dewatered, and correlate the corresponding signals from the photodetectors to dryness values.This is a continuation of application Ser. No. 122,976, filed Nov. 19, 1987 now abandoned.

Abstract: Systems and methods for predetermining maximum pressure differentials for particular microporous hollow fiber membranes and essentially immiscible feed and extractant liquids to be employed in liquid-liquid extractions include a test module having a number of such fibers formed into a loop between the opposing ends thereof. A tubular sleeve element encompasses these opposing ends, and a potting compound positionally retains the opposing ends within the tubular sleeve. The hollow fiber lumens are fluid-connected to a reservoir containing a pressurized feed liquid, and the loops of hollow fiber are immersed in an essentially unpressurized extractant liquid. The pressure of the feed liquid is continually increased until there is an incipient presence of the feed liquid in the extractant liquid. The pressure of the feed liquid at that incipient presence may therefore be used to calculate a maximum pressure differential tolerated by the microporous hollow fibers for the feed and extractant liquids used.

Abstract: Methods for utilizing transition metals as tracers in aqueous liquid systems are provided by this invention. Transition metals with low background levels in system waters are identified as preferred when soluble in said aqueous liquid systems. The transition metals show low levels of deposition on equipment scale and provide reliable information as to the process history of the liquid systems.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for monitoring the presence in a liquid of a material which is at lest partially immiscible in the liquid are disclosed. The apparatus includes a container and an overflow outlet for allowing a surface layer of the liquid to flow out of the container. A slick of the material forms in the container on a surface of the liquid. The container includes a settling portion with an adjustably angled baffle and a second, fixed baffle located therein, a concentrating portion for concentrating the slick downstream of the settling portion, and an intermediate constricting portion for gradually constricting the surface of the liquid. An ultraviolet light source and visible light detector are provided for detecting the fluorescent radiation produced by irradiating the surface of the liquid and the material.

Abstract: An apparatus for processing and analyzing blood serum includes an input rack for holding test tubes containing whole blood specimens and separator gel, a centrifuge, an optical sensing unit for receiving centrifuged test tubes and generating output signals indicative of whether the centrifuging was successful and, if it was, the boundary position between the separator gel and the blood serum, and a computer connected to receive and analyze the output signals of the optical sensing unit. An aspirator/dispenser needle unit is positioned above the sensing unit and is capable of lowering a needle, under the control of the computer, to puncture the stopper of a test tube and then withdraw blood serum.

Abstract: An automatic apparatus for the selective extraction of phases from a multiphase system in a receptacle distinguished by their opacity difference comprising a stirrup (1) moveable with respect to the receptacle (2) containing the multiphase system of different opacity (3) and (4), a control means (5) for moving the stirrup (1) which is sensitive to the change of opacity of the phases present in the receptacle (2) and a means (6) for effecting the extraction of the phase secured to the stirrup (1) which is especially suitable for extraction of biological fluids, particularly blood.

Abstract: A centrifugal fast chromatograph is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotor, a rotor drive, a plurality of chromatographic columns mounted on the rotor, a transfer disk mounted on the rotor, photodetecting apparatus, a gradient maker and a microprocessor control system. The microprocessor controls and monitors the entire chromatography process. The centrifugal fast chromatograph permits the performance of multiple, rapid, and simultaneous separations.

Abstract: A centrifugal fast chromatograph is disclosed. The apparatus includes a rotor, a rotor drive, a plurality of chromatographic columns mounted on the rotor, a transfer disk mounted on the rotor, photodetecting apparatus, a gradient maker and a microprocessor control system. The microprocessor controls and monitors the entire chromatograpy process. The centrifugal fast chromatograph permits the performance of multiple, rapid, and simultaneous separations.

Abstract: A method and related apparatus are disclosed herein for controlling the quantity of oil as a contaminant being discharged with water from a hydrocyclone. The hydrocyclone comprises a conical body with an upper liquid mixture inlet, a drive fluid inlet, an overflow outlet for the separated oil and drive fluid, and an underflow outlet for the separated water. The method includes monitoring the quantity of separated oil with the discharged water and varying the quantity of the drive fluid introduced into the interior of the hydrocyclone whereby the quantity of the oil as a contaminant is minimized.

Abstract: The flow of waste water sludge flocculant to a dewatering system is regulated by a surface proximity sensor located downstream of the flocculant addition point. Depth, variability and continuity of a partially drained sludge mat are evaluated by a depth sensor signal processor/analyzer. Signal characteristics representative of an optimally flocculated sludge mat are referenced by the processor/analyzer to establish high and low control set-point values. A variable speed flocculant supply pump or flow control valve is adjusted in response to an operational signal from the depth sensor which exceeds the set-point range.

Abstract: Method for dewatering sewage sludge with the aid of organic polymeric flocculating agents (polyelectrolytes) made preferably by emulsion polymerization. To obtain optimum dewatering results, a substantial amount of the aqueous phase of the sludge is removed by decantation after flocculant addition prior to the dewatering treatment proper. The flocculated and thickened sludge may then be dewatered much more quickly with the dewatering behavior improved additionally by causing a reactivating flocculation to take place on the delivery side of the sludge feed pump. The Figures show a preferred embodiment of the inventive sludge dewatering system using a recessed plate press.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for clarifying solids from a solids containing liquid having a multilayer baffle system and integral solids removal sump. The apparatus can have a variable speed impeller at its outlet so that an operator of the clarifier can control the flow rate therethrough to optimize efficiency.The multilayer baffle system includes a first set of baffles placed above the main liquid flow path minimizes horizontal flow thereabove but creates local turbulence so as to promote efficient settling and assure no solids settle on the baffles. A second set of vertical flow interrupting baffles substantially eliminates upward turbulence created the first baffles and are shaped such that solids will not settle thereon. A third layer of baffles interrupts any horizontal flow component remaining in the clarifier so as to define a quiescent zone thereabove. Clarified liquid is removed from the surface of the quiescent zone.

Abstract: Apparatus for controlling the coagulant dosage rate includes a charge sensor located adjacent a coagulant pump for measuring the net electrical charge on coagulated water before water treatment and a turbidity meter for measuring the effluent turbidity after water treatment. A programmable controller responds to the output signal of the charge sensor to continuously adjust the dosage rate to maintain a set point of charge value in the coagulated water corresponding to a desired effluent turbidity. To maintain calibration of the charge sensor, the controller is also responsive to the output signal of the turbidity meter to adjust the charge value set point as required so that the it corresponds to a preselected effluent turbidity.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for partitioning a pre-selected phase of a sample of liquid, such as blood, having a plurality of phases of differing densities the method comprising the steps of introducing a sample into a chamber of constant cross-sectional shape and a volume greater than that of the sample, ordering the phases of the sample concentrically by rotating the chamber about its longitudinal axis, reducing the volume of the chamber in response to a separation control signal, removing a portion of the separated sample in order of phase, deriving information about the portion of the sample being removed from the chamber and modifying the separation control signal in response to the derived information.

Abstract: An apparatus and method of separating a component from a collected quantity of fluid. The apparatus includes a dual member centrifuge and an associated fluid flow transfer set. The transfer set has a collection container in which a quantity of fluid can be initially accumulated. The collection container is formed as a disk-shaped plastic member with an elongated generally radially extending barrier member formed therein. A component collection container is in fluid flow communication with the disk-shaped container. The method provides for centrifugation of the collection container in the dual member centrifuge thereby separating out the selected fluid component. The component can then be pumped out of the collection container into the component accumulation container. The residual fluid can be sealed in the collection container for later use. The component collection container can be separated and sealed also for later use.

Abstract: The primary and/or secondary structure of nucleic acid as well as its content and molecular weight can be analyzed in solutions by light scatter or fluorescence measurements after treatment with 3 or 4 ring aromatic cations which bind to single-stranded nucleic acids by cooperative association and induce their condensation (collapse). Preparative separation of nucleic acids of different types from the mixtures in the solution is also accomplished by the same principle and techniques wherein each condensed acid is removed from solution and the condensation reversed.

Abstract: Process for controlling the breaking of an oil-in-water emulsion using an organic emulsion breaker comprising the steps of:A. adding the organic emulsion breaker to the emulsion by slow intermittent or continuous addition to produce a broken water phase;B. continuously passing a beam of light through the broken water phase;C. continuing the slow addition of the organic emulsion breaker to the broken water phase;D. continuously or intermittently measuring both the unadsorbed light passing through the broken water phase and the light scattered forward by oil droplets in the broken water phase;E. determining from the measurements in step D, the turbidity of the broken water phase; andF. discontinuing the addition of organic breaker when the turbidity reaches a first minimum value following a maximum value.

Abstract: A method to determine performance of a treating agent (CA) added to a system body of liquid to enhance performance of the liquid body is determined by employing an inert fluorescent tracer (T) in a known T:CA dosage proportion, prepared on the basis of a concentration of CA (e.g. ppm) proposed for optimum performance in the liquid body. The system liquid is sampled and, on the basis of fluorescent emission, the sampled indicator is compared to a standard ppm concentration of T to determine the concentration and efficacy of CA and the physical characteristics and operating parameters of the liquid body.

Abstract: A method for oxidation treatment of waste water material containing organic solid particles includes forming a discrete batch of waste water material, adjusting the pH of the entire batch to close to 7 or acid-alkaline neutral, and then flowing the batch through a reactor along with chlorine gas. The chlorine produces hypochlorous acid, which produces nascent oxygen and hypochlorite ions, for chemically oxidizing the organic solid particles and also forming minute gas bubbles, including nitrogen and carbon dioxide, which adhere to the particles. The treated material is flowed into a separation receptacle, where the gas bubble buoyed particles float to the surface of the water. The clear water is rapidly gravity-drained from beneath the particles, leaving the particles coalesced into a relatively dry, disinfected or stabilized sludge.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for monitoring the operation of a froth flotation process comprises sensing variations in solids content of the input stream to the process, varying the dosage of flotation reagent employed in accordance with the input variations, sensing variations in solids content of at least one of the output streams after a predetermined time lapse, comparing the input and output readings with control data relating input and output solids content, and re-adjusting the dosage of flotation reagent dependent on the difference between the actual readings and the control data.

Abstract: Apparatus for withdrawing liquid samples from liquid/solids media, e.g., phosphoric acid slurries, for the downstream analysis thereof, is comprised of (i) means adapted for insertion into a liquid/solids medium to selectively separate and receive a liquid fraction therefrom, (ii) a liquid storage first chamber in communicating relationship with said separating and receiving means (i), (iii) a liquid sample receiving second chamber in independent, parallel communicating relationship with said separating and receiving means (i) and which comprises means for exteriorly discharging sample contained therein, and (iv) means permitting the filling or emptying of said second chamber (iii) independently of said first chamber (ii).

Abstract: Water treatment, e.g. antiscaling, polymer compositions are marked or labelled with activated groups which are attached to the polymer chain backbone by carbon-carbon bonds. These activated groups are subjected to color forming reactions, e.g. by reaction with a diazonium aromatic compound, thus enabling the polymers to be detected at very low concentrations in water.

Abstract: Method and apparatus for continuous measurement and control of the stability of colloidal systems such as heavy fuel oils, using an optical procedure with near-infrared radiation. A stream of liquid representing the colloidal system is passed through a loop or elongated conduit. In the latter, measured amounts of a flocculating agent is progressively added to the stream at a series of spaced apart stations in the loop which define separate segments. These additions progressively enhance the amount of flocculating agent to the colloidal liquid to a point where flocculation occurs. The character of each segment of the loop is tested by irradiation whereby the mixture in each segment is measured to determine in which segment flocculation has commenced. A suitable signal, whether audible or visual, can then be provided to indicate the occurrence.

Abstract: Rapid in situ estimation of the degree of dispersion in flowing two-phase systems, in particular for determining optimum metering of dispersants or flocculants in concentrated dispersions, is carried out by a method in which assignment of the degree of dispersion is effected by measuring the pressure drop experienced by a flowing dispersion along a defined length during tubular flow.

Abstract: Waste water to be analyzed is brought into a reactor continuously supplied with samples of activated sludge taken from the biological treatment plant; oxygen is also constantly supplied to the reactor and the content of oxygen dissolved inside the reactor is measured in order to automatically regulate the waste water flow admitted into the reactor in relation the measured value of dissolved oxygen content and thus keep the load applied to the reactor substantially constant; a toxicity alarm is released in case of abnormal reduction of respiration when the waste water admission flow is maximum.

Abstract: An apparatus for separating heavy solids from an effluent, for example wool scouring effluent, comprising a tank having a solids discharge outlet at its base and an ultra-sonic sensor located at a predetermined distance from this outlet. Means responsive to the output of the sensor, for example a solonoid controled valve, are provided for opening the discharge outlet when the solids concentration exceeds the preset limit. Preferably, a secondary settlement tank immediately below and directly communicating with the main tank is provided and the discharge outlet, controlled by a suitable valve, is at the base of the secondary tank. The secondary tank has a zone offset from the main solid flow in which the sensor may be located in order that large aggregates of solids do not lead to spurious operation of the sensor.

Abstract: A process and apparatus for recovering the heat content of oil-contaminated waste water wherein the waste water is collected and is conducted through a plurality of waste water carrying ducts with shut-off valves, from an oil manipulating system into a single duct with a shut-off valve; a duct with two branches attached to and leading from said shut-off valve; each branch of said branched duct having therein a magnet valve which operates contrarily to the magnet valve in the other branch; each of said magnet valves connected by means of a cable to an instrument which senses the oil content of the waste water, wherein if the instrument does not sense oil, one magnet valve is open and the other is closed, and if the instrument senses oil, the other magnet valve is open and the one magnet valve is closed; a pressurized sample collector connected via a duct to the one magnet valve intermediate said valve and said sensing instrument; said pressurized collector having therein a sampling place on a float connected b

Abstract: Solids are removed from a cooling tower basin by using a perforated removal header in the basin in conjunction with a back flush flow.

Abstract: An apparatus and method for separating blood components by means of sedimentation action due to gravitational force are disclosed. The blood to be separated is continuously passed through a flat blood flow channel having a thickness of 20 mm or less and is separated into multiple streams of the separated blood components. An opening for a feed line of the blood is provided at the upstream side of the blood flow channel and at least two openings for discharge lines of the separated blood components are provided at the downstream side of the blood flow channel.

Abstract: An improved electromagnetic boiler water conditioning apparatus and method for energy saving, comprising an electromagnetic water treatment unit combined with an external sludge collector attached to the boiler for boiler bottom blowdown by means of a solenoid valve controlled by a conductivity probe within the boiler. The probe is electrically connected to the solenoid blowdown valve. The blowdown is initiated by the conductivity probe whenever the dissolved solids within the boiler as a result of evaporation become too high. The external sludge collector permits unimpeded removal of sludge formed in the boiler passing into the collector and is a straight pipe having a diameter of about 21/2 to 4 times, preferably 3 times, the diameter of the standard openings at the bottom of the boiler. The level of the water to the boiler is maintained by an automatic level control which can also be cleaned through the sludge collector.

Abstract: An ultraviolet sterilization and disinfection system for fluids which includes apparatus for sensing selected operating characteristics such as physical characteristics of the fluid to be disinfected or sterilized and the operating conditions of the ultraviolet sources proportioning these variable and generally non-linear parameters and modifying such factors as fluid flow, ultraviolet energy imparted to the fluid to insure destruction of selected organisms without the use of excessive energy. Control may also be provided for the admission of selected quantities of disinfecting chemicals such as chlorine to the fluid.

Abstract: A side stream monitoring device for a main unit such as a vessel, which effectively has the same geometrical and dynamic characteristics as those corresponding components in the vessel for enabling the side stream monitor to provide a ready indication and continuous monitor of the performance characteristics and quality of the corresponding components in the vessel, upon removal and testing or examination of the device. The apparatus and method for monitoring have particular utility in connection with clay filters or filter separators which are used for the removal of contaminants from, e.g. jet fuels. In each case a bypass side stream is disposed between the inlet and outlet lines of the filter or filter separator and located within the bypass line is a device which effectively is a reduced scale replica of a portion of the main unit which corresponds to the critical operating components thereof.

Abstract: A method and apparatus is disclosed for purifying the waste water in an avated sludge-waste water mixture. In dependence upon the state of purification of the waste water, the mixture is ventilated in automatically controlled manner by a gas comprising molecular oxygen. The automatic control of ventilation is exercised by the use of a monitoring device which measures the visible depth of the waste water and, depending upon the measured value, starts-up or switches-off the ventilation.

Abstract: A mobile phase supplying method in a liquid chromatography which is characterized in a disposition of a second plunger pump unit, in addition to the conventional way of employing one plunger pump unit (a first pump). The second plunger pump unit is disposed in series with the first plunger pump unit, being connected to the suction side of the first pump with the discharge side of the second pump, in order to synchronously supply the same amount of mobile phase discharged from the first pump to the suction side thereof by the second pump for the purpose of preventing the suction side of the first pump from being exposed to an occurrence of negative pressure. The apparatus for realizing the method is provided, in its double-pumped structure, with a connecting rod having on either end thereof a first and second plungers, between both pump units, which are synchronously and coaxially driven by a common driving system.

Abstract: A method and apparatus for controlling the feed rate of water treatment chemicals to a process stream requiring such treatment. A sample stream is obtained from the dynamic process stream at a controlled and constant rate and is fed to a settling column. The settling column is equipped with underflow and overflow weirs and a sensor between the weirs for monitoring the concentration of solids. The settling column provides a quiescent area in which solids and/or other particulate matter to be settled can demonstrate their relative tendency to do so. A controller responsive to the sensor governs the feed rate of a particular treatment chemical.